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High Performance Computing (HPC)

High performance computing (HPC) is the ability to process data and perform complex calculations at high speeds. HPC uses supercomputers and computer clusters to solve advanced computation problems. High Performance Computing most generally refers to the practice of aggregating computing power in a way that delivers much higher performance than one could get out of a typical desktop computer or workstation in order to solve large problems in science, engineering, or business.

High Performance Computing (HPC) is a set of technologies and competencies that together deliver compute capabilities far beyond what can be provided by standard computing system.

There is an interesting article recently posted on a corporate web page that describes how a multinational is unlocking value by partnering with a tech start-up to deliver a highly scalable repository for seismic data that can connect to cloud hosted workstations and significantly ease data sharing for subsurface engineering practitioners. This is an example of how digital innovation is impacting subsurface workflows in the oil and gas industry.

What are the types of HPC?

We can differentiate two types of HPC systems: the homogeneous machines and the hybrid ones. Homogeneous machines only have CPUs while the hybrids have both GPUs and CPUs. Tasks are mostly run on GPUs while CPUs oversee the computation. As of June 2020, about 2/3 of supercomputers are hybrid machines.

Quantum computing is a rapidly-emerging technology that harnesses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems too complex for classical computers. Today, IBM Quantum makes real quantum hardware -- a tool scientists only began to imagine three decades ago -- available to thousands of developers. Quantum computing is the future of such high speed and performance computing.

Ten (10) examples of Quantum Computing Applications to Know

Artificial intelligence.
Better batteries
Cleaner fertilization
Cybersecurity
Drug development
Electronic materials discovery
Financial modeling
Solar capture
Traffic optimization
Weather forecasting and climate change

In October 2019, Google made headlines upon proclaiming that it had achieved the long-anticipated breakthrough of “quantum supremacy.” That’s when a quantum computer is able to perform a task a conventional computer can’t. Not in a practical amount of time, anyway. For instance, Google claimed the test problem it ran would have taken a classical computer thousands of years to complete, which critics and competitors called a gross exaggeration.

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence may prove to be mutual back-scratchers. Advances in deep learning will likely increase our understanding of quantum mechanics while at the same time fully realized quantum computers could far surpass conventional ones in data pattern recognition.

Benefits

Faster decision making through specialized computing capabilities.
Reduced costs through accurate modelling.
Better business insights from increased data storage